Most individuals know little about manufactured homes and about their place within our communities. Recent innovations in building have made these homes much more versatile in addition to more spacious and aesthetically pleasing. While these recent advances are certainly great, they only being to underscore the absolute value at the core of a manufactured home. It’s for this reason that these homes are ideal for retirement and those on fixed incomes. They give you the joy and independence of owning a home but ultimately at a fraction of the price.

To begin with, modern manufactured homes are truly much different than popular opinion. Many feature spacious interiors and full kitchen areas. Additionally, there are those manufactured homes that come with attached deck areas and garages. In other words, you get all of the space benefits of any traditional house. Because they are pre-built, however, the cost and time associated with setting up your individual lot is much lower than a typical house-build.

While the cost and ease of construction are some of the principle benefits with a manufactured home, one also has to take into account the community where you may relocate. Some manufactured home communities act as specific retirement communities with specific age requirements. For the retired, this gives you an ideal community of like-minded neighbors and ultimately takes the worry out of deciding upon a neighborhood in which to settle down.

Additionally, one has to consider the actual physical properties of the community. There are size restrictions to each lot and yet one does not want to be too close to their neighbors. Furthermore, in considering a community, take a look at the landscaping as it is a good indicator of how dedicated the ownership is to providing amenities and making their tenants happy. With manufactured home communities, particularly if you are retired, you want to ensure you have a minimum-maintenance living.

Another set of qualities to always consider are the community amenities made available to each home owner. Is there a community pool where you can relax in the summer months? Is there a clubhouse where neighbors can congregate and host events? Are there community activities such as tennis? Truly great manufactured home communities have all of these features and more in order to ensure your activity well into your retirement.

With such features it’s no wonder why the value of manufactured home communities has risen. As you approach retirement, these communities give you one more choice in deciding upon the greatest value and affordability.

Many of the residents of Olde Stone Village Northwest choose to enjoy their golden years just a short drive south of Portland, Oregon. In fact, Olde Stone Village is less than 45 minutes away from downtown Portland, although the countryside and greenery will make you think you’re much farther. Portland has all the amenities of a large city–the shopping, services, airports and culture, and yet some residents hardly ever feel the need to travel to the big city. Salem, Oregon is less than a half hour away as well.

If you’re interested in outdoor adventures, Olde Stone Village is just a stone’s throw from some of the best hiking trails, state beaches, ski resorts and lakes that Oregon’s northwest corner has to offer. Mt. Hood, Tillamook State Forest, and Cape Lookout State Park are all popular destinations for residents who would like to experience Oregon’s spectacular natural offerings.

Despite the accessibility to other destinations, McMinnville actually has quite a few of its own attractions and cultural amusements. Many residents love the small town feel that comes with living in Olde Stone Village Northwest. So whether you decide to venture off, or to stay and play in McMinnville, Olde Stone Village Northwest has the perfect location for you.

For those who like to get out and explore the natural surroundings, Westlake Village Northwest’s location in Grants Pass is ideal. State forests, like Rogue River National Forest, Oregon Caves National Monument, and Klamath National Forest are less than an hour away. In fact, Grants Pass features the mighty Rogue River, with trails and scenic stops along the shore. You never have to leave the town to see some spectacular scenic landscapes. The Oregon Coast is a short day trip, and the town of Medford is less than a half hour away.

But the real advantage of choosing Westlake Village Northwest for a retirement community isn’t the scenic wonders or the geographic location–although those things do sweeten the deal. People come for the beauty, but they stay for the charm and friendly atmosphere of the neighborhood itself. Westlake Village homes are built with relaxation in mind, and the Village strives to keep a tight-knit relationship among its residents. Beautiful, energy-efficient homes are constructed with the 55+ individual in mind, meaning your golden years will be spent worry-free and cozy in stunning southern Oregon.

For a direct link to download, see below:

Olde Stone Villager – July 2011 (PDF)

For a direct link to download, see below:

Olde Stone Villager – June 2011 (PDF)

For a direct link to download, see below:

Olde Stone Villager – May 2011 (PDF)

For a direct link to download, see below:

Olde Stone Villager – April 2011 (PDF)